Board approves limited chicken keeping at 2906 Old Selma Road with conditions

The Montgomery City Board of Adjustments on Oct. 11 approved a special exception allowing chickens to be kept at 2906 Old Selma Road, with the board limiting the flock to six hens, prohibiting roosters and requiring that the coop comply with city guidelines.

Philip Chapman said he previously kept seven hens and had removed a rooster. Board members noted a complaint had been filed by a neighbor concerning the property's appearance and that nuisance enforcement could require cleanup or result in a lien. Board members questioned whether chickens were confined and asked the petitioner to address one hen that repeatedly escaped. Chapman agreed to reduce his flock to six hens and to ensure the coop and pen remain compliant with city guidelines.

During discussion the board also observed other site features that may need review, including an RV visible from the street and an accessory carport or structure near the house; staff said they would check whether those structures had prior approvals and follow up. A motion to approve the chicken special exception with the stated conditions passed after a second; one board member recorded an abstention in the transcript. The board reiterated that the petitioner should clean up visible clutter on the lot to avoid separate enforcement action.